Experience Takes Center Stage. After a 21-year absence, Como is making a bold return to Serie A, backed by their wealthy Indonesian owners, the Hartono family. The club has chosen to focus on international talent, not worrying about player age. At the helm is Cesc Fabregas, who is stepping into his first top-flight managerial role, leading a squad filled with World Cup winners and Champions League veterans.
The team transformation has been significant. Fantasy football enthusiasts will have a challenging time navigating potential starters, who takes penalties, and free-kick specialists as Como gears up for the new season. The club has brought in two new goalkeepers: Emil Audero, who served as the second-choice keeper for Inter last season, and the seasoned 41-year-old Pepe Reina, who has played for Napoli, Milan, and Lazio.
In defense, the highly experienced Raphael Varane, a former star at Real Madrid and Manchester United, joins the ranks alongside left-back Alberto Moreno, who previously played for Liverpool. Como also signed central defender Alberto Dossena from Cagliari, coming off his first season as a starter in Serie A.
In midfield, they have added Luca Mazzitelli, who scored five goals last season with relegated Frosinone, and German Yannik Engelhardt from Cologne. Up front, they welcome Andrea Belotti, a seasoned striker with 112 Serie A goals to his name, although he has netted just six in the last two seasons with Roma and Fiorentina.
With Fabregas managing, Como established a solid defense last season in Serie B. At 31, Varane still has a lot to offer in Serie A. The attacking trio of Strefezza and Verdi on the right will add to the experience, both contributing over 300 top-flight appearances and nearly 100 goals between them.
Lucas Da Cunha, discovered from Nice after a stellar season of 7 goals and 6 assists, is set to make an impact in Serie A. Audero is also an interesting choice; although he had a quiet season last year, Como’s potential for a strong defense in the top league could make him a worthy gamble.
The expected lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation looks like this: Audero; Iovine, Varane, Goldaniga, Moreno; Mazzitelli, Braunoder; Strefezza, Cutrone, Da Cunha; Belotti. Possible substitute options include Goldaniga/Dossena, Braunoder/Engelhardt, Strefezza/Verdi. Penalty takers will likely be Verdi, Cutrone, and Belotti, with free-kick duties shared among Verdi, Da Cunha, and Belotti.